Mike Obenauf's #2 Folder: First Impressions

Dexter Ewing

Dexter Ewing

Joined
Oct 3, 1998
Messages
4,670
As some of you might be aware of, Mike Obenauf is Kit Carson’s apprentice and son-in-law. Kit has been teaching him the ropes about knifemaking and he has had plenty of practice helping Kit in his shop. Mike designed four folders which he made, and they all were bought by Arizona Custom Knives at the Blade Show. When I first saw Mike’s #2 folder on the AZCK site, it was love at first sight! It reminded me a lot of one of my favorite folders, Kit’s Model 4. I had to get it!

Obenauf #2 specs: 4” D2 hand rubbed blade, titanium liners and bolsters with green and black G-10 scales. Pocket clip mounted high up on bolster to carry knife deep in pocket. Dual thumbstuds. Notched thumb rest on blade spine, and notched lock bar for ease of closing.

This knife is very impressive! Fit and finish is tight and precise, blade action is buttery smooth, lockup is ultra secure with no play in any direction, handle edges are rounded for a more comfy grip, and handle ergonomics are excellent. I love the optical illusion of the blade being wider than the handle! Overall a great looking folder.

Mike definitely has what it takes to become a part time or even a full time maker if he continues. As fan of Kit’s work, I can honestly say Mike’s fit and finish is right up there with Kit’s. Kit did a great job at mentoring Mike, no doubt he is the very proud father-in-law! I sincerely wish Mike the best in his knifemaking career, give him time – he will be a name to watch out for in the future. Also, it is out of character for me to purchase a new knife from a new maker, sight unseen. But I remember all that Kit has told me of Mike and how his knifemaking skills have progressed over time, that I had no doubts at all about buying this folder. If you like Kit’s work, you’ll be attracted to Mike’s too. I cannot wait to put this one to use!

:cool:
 
i had the oportunity to handle some of his knives at blade,and nearly mistook them for kits!

this guy has a lot going for him,he's definitely on his way up to the top.
we'll be seeing a lot more of him.

-mo
 
I have to admit Dex, if you didn't say that Mike made this, I would argue that Kit had come up with a revision of his #4. What a nice piece! Kudos to Mike and good choice Dex! I like this #2 the absolute best of all the pieces I've seen from Mike. Nice rounded edges and no abrupt corners to distract. Can you imagine having Kit as a father-in-law? Does he have any more available daughters?
 
Can you go into a little more detail about the comfort of the handles?
 
Originally posted by shootist16
Can you go into a little more detail about the comfort of the handles?
Click to expand...

Dennis - The handle shape does a good job at keeping your hand secure while in use. The integral guard up front, and downward curve of the rear of the handle are perfect for an outdoor knife like this one. The profile of the handle is flat, not rounded like our M4's. Still, Mike's knife offers a comfortable grip and carries very well in the pocket due to the handle's flatness. Not to mention, carries IWB like a dream. The handle is not as hand-filling as the M4 is, but it is very comfortable in its own way.

Kit told me that the only thing he did to Mike's first folders was heat treat the blades. All of the design, profiling, grinding, contouring, fitting, etc was all done by Mike.
 
WOW.
and what do they go for? 300 or so?
gotta get some dinero in my pocket.
 
Originally posted by MAURICE
WOW.
and what do they go for? 300 or so?
gotta get some dinero in my pocket.
Click to expand...

Mo - I paid $350 for mine. The others that were up for grabs on AZCK sold for $275 and $300. Get one while you can before Mike hits the big time and his prices rise!
 
How big is it? It is between the #2 and #3 for me. Is the #2 a little large for daily carry?
 
Dennis - the #2 is the same length as Kit's large M4. Actually the 2 is a great EDC piece. The handle is flat in profile so it carries well in the pocket and it is especially comfy in IWB mode. And the clip is mounted high on the bolster too so that helps as well. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how well the #2 carries, I think! :)
 
I also was checking out the above knife on the
AZCK. I have been trying to decide if it's going to be the Obenauf folder or a Steve Corkum Job.
To many knives,So little money!
 
Dexter -- took me a bit, but finally figured out why there is no optical illusion. Had me thinking I was nuts there for awhile.

Great looking knife!
 
Well, Dexter, you talked me into it. I should have one soon. I can hardly wait. Hopefully this will hold me over for the two year wait on Kit's knives.
 
Originally posted by shootist16
Well, Dexter, you talked me into it. I should have one soon. I can hardly wait. Hopefully this will hold me over for the two year wait on Kit's knives.
Click to expand...

Dennis - sweet! Which one did you get? Let us know when you get it, you'll love it for sure :)
 
Originally posted by Dexter Ewing


Dennis - sweet! Which one did you get?
Click to expand...

I couldn't decide whether to get the large or small.......... so I got both.


Like I said I have two years worth of Carson cravings to get over. ;)
 
I got mine from Don Eargle of Phoenix Blades Knife Network. Here is a pic. Mine are the 2nd one down and the 4th one down. I'll bet these don't last long.
 

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